This is a
Private Tour
Other options of the same trip:
This tour includes:
- Transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver Transportation from your resort is included in the price for resorts that are in radius of 25 km from centre of Corfu town. If you are staying in remote resorts please contact us for additional transfer rates.
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Professional English (or your chosen language) speaking, tour guide
- Tour the major archaeological sites in Corfu Town
- Free time for shopping and/or dining in Corfu Town
This tour has been specially designed for lovers of ancient history, whether amateur or professional. There are many important archaeological sites in Corfu and this tour encompasses the most important ones. At the end of the tour you will have enough free time in Corfu Town to walk around, shop or dine in one of the traditional tavernas.
Remains of a District of the Ancient City of Corcyra
Vestiges of houses and parts of two streets, that belonged to several periods between the fourth and the first century BC, were recently excavated in the area between Mon Repos and Kanoni. This area is thought to have been a residential district near the Hyllaic harbour. Domestic pottery shards, household utensils, terracotta statuettes and bone fragments were also found.
Remains of the City Walls
To the west of the Greek Orthodox Cemetery at Garitsa Bay stands the only remaining part of the Ancient Wall of Corcyra. Dating from the 5th century BC, only the lower part is visible. It was probably a fortification tower connected to the nearby Hyllaic harbour.
The Roman Thermal Baths at Palaeopolis
Excavated in 1985 and close to the Basilica of Palaeopolis in the grounds of the Olive Growing Institute are the extensive ruins of Roman Thermal Baths. Built during the reign of the Emperor Septimus Severus, they date from around 200 AD and were destroyed four hundred years later. The remains of the hypocaust, the underfloor heating system, and the channel that carried hot water to the baths can be clearly seen.
The Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis functioned as a sanctuary and is known as the first Doric temple built entirely with stone. It is the earliest known example of this architectural style. It is located near the remains of the City Walls on the northern edge of the ancient city. Built between 590 and 580BC by Corinthian masons, it was one of the largest of the time. A well preserved rectangular altar, decorated with archaic triglyphs, is the only relic at the site.
The Temple of Hera Akraia (She of a Height)
Located in the grounds of the Mon Repos Estate and on a hill, the Temple of Hera Akraia was the largest and most important in the ancient city. Built in the late 7th century BC, destroyed in 428BC, rebuilt in 400BC and destroyed in 30BC by the Romans, very little of the temple structure remains at the site.
The terracotta decorative elements of the roof, and some architectural and sculptural artifacts are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Corfu.
The Temple of Apollo the Corcyraean
Close to the Temple of Hera Akraia on the Mon Repos Estate is a small, open air shrine dedicated to Apollo the Corcyraean. It was built around the end of the sixth century BC. It has been identified by a number of inscriptions, one is engraved on a votive offering in the shape of a spearhead.
The Temple of Kardaki
One of the most important ruins on the site of Mon Repos is the Temple of Kardaki, built around 500BC. The temple was probably dedicated to Poseidon. The relics at the site include some Doric Columns and part of the stylobate and entablature. A small statue of the Goddess Kyveli and some pottery was also found at the site.
Site of a Small Shrine of Artemis
Excavations in 1889 uncovered a large number of clay figurines, many of which represent Artemis and are thought to be offerings to the Goddess. The Shrine is located at the southern tip of the Kanoni Peninsula, opposite the Lagoon of Halikiopoulo. The artefacts that were discovered are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Corfu.
The Monument to Menecrates
Believed to be the most ancient inscription in Greece, the circular cenotaph was built in the 6th century BC. The monument was to honour Menecrates, an Ambassador to Corfu in the ancient times. Cut from hard limestone, the workmanship is outstanding. It consists of five rows of blocks with a flattened dome on top. It was discovered in 1843 and it stands in the garden of the former Police Station in Cyprus Street at Garitsa. As it was discovered during British Rule, many artefacts are displayed in the British Museum, London. The Lion of Menecrates, found nearby is exhibited in the Archaeological Museum, Corfu.
Our tour continues as we head back to Corfu Town. You will visit the Old Town where the narrow, cobbled streets are known as Kantounia, the Espianada and the cricket ground. You will have some free time to stroll along the Liston arcades, visit the Palace of St. Michael and St. George or the old Church of Saint Spyridon, with its priceless collection of icons and gifts offered to the Patron Saint of Corfu.